Layer the compost pile alternating between six to eight inches of brown waste and two to three inches of green waste until the pile reaches three to five feet tall. You can wet down each layer of “browns” as you build the pile. This combination of materials creates an ideal environment for microorganisms to get to work decomposing. If you do not have enough “greens,” you can use a garden fertilizer to get the nitrogen benefit. (Cynthia Domenghini)